Boynton High Principalis Ready, But School's Not

So far, so good ... When it comes to the high school that Boynton Beach finally got after a decade of lobbying, city officials don't miss a beat.

The high school, now under construction on 50 acres in Quantum Park & Corporate Village on Gateway Boulevard, is expected to open in August 2001.

Only one week after Walter A. Cornnell was appointed principal by the Palm Beach County School District, city officials invited him to their June 20 commission meeting, proudly introducing him to the audience.

"I'm tickled pink," said Cornnell, to commissioners and residents.

The city's old high school closed 50 years ago and now serves as a storage facility.

Cornnell was the former principal of Boca Raton's Omni Middle School and assistant principal of Atlantic High School.

Cornell, who has worked 21 years for the district, also helped implement the program requiring that every county student took algebra by ninth grade.

He assumes his post on July 1. The school is expected to receive 2,500 students.

Celebrating the founding fathers ... It's party, party, party for Boynton Beach's Fourth of July celebration, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. July 4 at the Boat Club Park, 2020 N. Federal Highway.

Activities include games and contests with Radio Disney "Party Patrol" from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Then celebrants may boogie down to the island sounds of Kwa-ze starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks will light up the sky at 9 p.m.

What's on your mind? ... Commissioner Bruce Black wants to know what residents are thinking, so he's organizing a town hall meeting from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 19 at the Boynton Beach Public Library, 200 S. Seacrest Blvd.

Merle Augustin covers Boynton Beach and can be reached at maugustin@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6522. Mel MelM-indez covers Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream, Highland Beach and Ocean Ridge and can be reached at mmelendez@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6538.